Born in Calgary, Mark Nelson began drumming at age 15 under the direction of Andy Ericson and Garry De Boeck. In 2003, he received his Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance from Massey University in New Zealand. He was also selected to perform in the National Youth Jazz Orchestra directed by Bruce Paulson. On two occasions he received the Ted Frickleton Most Outstanding Drummer award at the Manawatu Jazz festival.

Mark has had the opportunity to tour with various ensembles across Canada, extensively in Québec, Europe and even in Brazil. Some of these performances included known events: Francocolies de Spa, Festival d’éte de Québec, FIJM et Osheaga.